Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 3)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea. Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. (Matthew 3) John is the Voice in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord. Preaching God's Holy Law. Repent of your sin. Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly. (Mark 6)
BUT there was something Herod loved more than the Word of God. Herod loved his sin. He refused to repent. I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. (John 8)
It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife. (Mark 6) Preaching has a goal. That sinners REPENT! Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6)
By the Holy Spirit's power God gifts to you REPENTANCE. The Lord is working through His Word on you. Repenting you. Herod attempts to silence the Word of God by having John the Baptist beheaded. It does NOT work. The Word of God remains forever. Jesus preaches: The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. (Mark 1)
The Lord has sent you your Pastors. The Pastor’s job is to preach the Word of God. Law and Gospel. Calling sinners to repentance. To speak the truth in love to sinners. How are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? How are they to hear without someone preaching? How are they to preach unless they are sent? (Romans 10)
By the Holy Spirit's power you repent. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret. (2 Corinthians 7) There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. (Luke 15)
Rejoice in hearing the call to repentance. Jesus took the wrath of God for all your sins on Good Friday's Tree. In Jesus’ death and resurrection your sins are forgiven. You are the Lord’s Baptized Children. To live a life of repentance. Turning in faith to Christ for forgiveness. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1)
Repent and be forgiven. Confession and Absolution. Rejoice in God's Word reigning in your ears and hearts. The Lord is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered…
I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. (Psalm 32)